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Peer Reviews Misalliance Entire contents are copyright © [2008, Ryan Joseph Burch]. All rights reserved.
Walden Theatre has consistently raised the bar with every production in its 32-year history. In every show the costumes are sewn to excellence, the set constructed to perfection, and characterization polished to realistic characters. Misalliance is no exception to Walden's professional standard. However, one particular detail differentiates this play from past productions. Misalliance is Walden's first time to use writings by George Bernard Shaw. The director (Charlie Sexton) is quoted, "Year after year I have put off this show due to its difficult nature. I've just been waiting for the right cast that can pull it off." Well, I must say that Mr. Sexton has found his perfect cast. Shaw's production, first and foremost, is not by any means a plot-driven play. The piece, however, is a continuous debate and mockery against the aristocracy. Topics ranging from politics to religion are thrown at the audience with a blend of jokes and puns, keeping viewers sharp on their toes. The play begins at The Estate of Mr. John Tarleton (Adam Brown), Hindead, Surrey, in the year 1909. A smart but highly pathetic man named Bentley Summerhays (Ian Jackson) is due to wed Hypatia Tarleton (Olivia Douglas). The union of the two families would bring about financial benefits. From the beginning, however, it is clear that the marriage is not based upon true love. Quarrels soon fly between Hypatia's brother Johnny Tarleton (Griff Brydon Williams) and Bentley Summerhays. The simple quarrel shortly leads to other characters spilling their true emotions and desires for the audience to contemplate in an entertaining and personal experience. As if things weren't bad enough with the two families, Shaw introduces an acrobat, a pilot, and a gunner. Soon, a web of past secrets is revealed between the families, and morals tempted, bringing about a misalliance, and revealing the pleasures of the flesh all people seek at heart.
Misalliance by George
Bernard Shaw
Posted Jan. 20, 2008
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